BOOK REVIEW SUMMER 2018

PRE-SCHOOLERS

ABC MINDFUL ME
by Christiane Engel (Quarto)
With life moving at an ever-increasing pace, it’s never too young to learn about being calm and present. Plus if you can learn your A-Z too, what a bonus. Every letter of the alphabet is coupled with a word that aids young children’s understanding of the fundamental principles of mindfulness, including love, kindness, gratitude and empathy. A sweet book which gives a nice twist on a tried and tested format.

THE STORY OF TANTRUM O’FURRILY
by Cressida Cowell and Mark Nicholas (Hodder)
On a wild and windy night, stray cat Tantrum O’ Furrily tells her three hungry kittens a story to distract them from their hunger pangs. We’re introduced to Smallpaw who uses all her courage to find her own next meal. Beautifully illustrated, using a dark palate of colours, it also has a lovely twist in the tale, which is sure to delight young children.

LITTLE KIDS

THE RETURN OF THE RAILWAY CHILDREN
by Lou Kuenzler (Scholastic)
This follow up to The Railway Children will definitely warm the cockles and Kuenzler has not strayed too far from the spirit of the much-loved classic. Set in WWII, 12-year-old Edie is worried about being sent away to live with an aunt she doesn’t know as her mum is a pilot for the Air Transport Auxilliary. Luckily, she gets on well with her aunt and her cousins Gus and Greta but it isn’t long before she’s wondering if the pair are harbouring a dark secret of their own. A clever re-imagining that encapsulates all the joy of the original to a modern audience.

SPLASH
by Charli Howard (Nosy Crow)
This book packs a punch, tackling the world of competitive sport, body confidence, friendships and family dynamics. Set in Year 6, Molly dreams of being a champion swimmer, but when her best friend pressures her to conform to a particular body type, the real challenges begin. Molly also lives with her grandparents and coupled with a dad she doesn’t know and a mum who dips in and out of her life it’s a lot for young Molly to work out who she wants to be. Author Charli Howard is a body positive campaigner who wants to make the voices of diverse figures seen and heard.

BIG KIDS

DR CHRISTIAN’S GUIDE TO GROWING UP ONLINE
by Dr Christian Jessen (Scholastic)
Know your finsta from your rinsta? No? Keep up at the back. It’s fake Instagram vs real Instagram account of course. This book is essential for children (and parents) growing up in a digital world. Famous for his Embarrassing Bodies TV series and the bestselling book Dr Christian’s Guide To Growing Up, this is just what is needed to get to grips with how to keep safe online, online bullying, group chats, your digital footprint and so much more. An absolute essential read for teens navigating an ever-changing digital landscape.

LOOKING AFTER YOUR MENTAL HEALTH
by Alice James & Louie Stowell, illustrated by Nancy Leschnikoff & Freya Harrison (Usborne)
Whilst we know the benefits of physical health, it’s easy to forget that young people also need to be mindful over their emotional and mental wellbeing. This book empowers youngsters with honest advice about ways of looking after their mental health in a fast-moving world. Using expert advice from the Royal College of Psychiatrists topics tackled include the science of anger, toxic friendships, sex and relationships and so much more.